Topics of the Turf

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 208, 2 September 1931, Page 9

Topics of the Turf

TO Notes and news from everywhere

RACING NOTES. DOMINATIONS for the Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting will close on Monday. * ijs # * Most of the Riccarton stables are well represented in the big list of nominations for the Ashburton meeting, which will, as usual, start the spring circuit for Canterbury owners. Dunedin has come in ahead of Ashburton this year, but the Wingatui fixture has attracted poor support from this end. * # * * C. Emerson has Lochlaggan out each day, but in the meantime the three-year-old is not being galloped, her tasks being no more than light exercise. She is a very active fillyi who may not require much work to fit her for sprint races, and as she will not be raced until November there is no hurry about starting her on serious track trials. * * * * The three-year-old Good Catch is on the easy list at present, as a result of leg troubles. He was shaping well m his work, showing a good deal of speed Later in the season he may turn out a useful performer. The Australian-bred gelding Conjurer 11., who joined W. M’Donald s stable after the Grand National meeting is being kept going in useful work. He has been nominated for the New Zealand Cup, but his programme will depend on how he shapes during the next few weeks. * * * * The weather is still holding up trainers at Trentham, and it is some weeks since they had a really satisfactory track on which to gallop horses. The next meeting at which the centre will be represented is the Wanganui fixture, but that is sJill a fortnight off. * * * * Love Song took part in a great struggle at Rosehill last month, when she divided Cathmar and Sir Duninald in the first division of the Dundas Handicap. His owner (J. H. Jefferd) protested against Cathmar, while the connections of Sir Duninald protested against Love Song. Both objections were on the ground of interference. There was a lengthy inquiry, but the placings were allowed to stand. Love Song is credited with a good performance, and his chance in the Metropolitan Handicap is now being discussed. * * * * W. G. Hobbs is devoting his attention to Juniper at present. The Kilbroney gelding is very forward and he may be seen to advantage in early engagements. Jordan, another of Mr G. Gould’s representatives, has been turned out for a long spell. This three-year-old is very much in-bred, his sire, Jericho, and his dam, Palestrina, both claiming the Martian mare, Judith, as their dam. Jordan is a well-grown gelding, thoroughly sound, and with a good constitution, but it is thought he will be benefited by age. * * * * The Canterbury District Committee has recommended J. R. Cochrane for a provisional trainer’s license. *• * * * The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club has approved the following transfers: Auckland Stud Company to A. E. Crellin, bay filly by Scherzo— Gay Eagle, three years; H. P. F. Blundell to G. A. Palmer, bay gelding Araios, by Arausio—Jerda, three years. *• * * * The following programmes have been passed by the Canterbury District Committee: Ashburton County Racing Club, September 19; South Canterbury Jockey Club, October 17; North Canterbury Racing Club, October 26; Waiau Racing Club, January 1. * * * 11. Ellis, who resided at Riccarton for a lengthy period, has returned to Wingatui, where he acted formerly as private trainer to the late Sir George M’Lean. He is again training on the Dunedin Club’s course, having El Boa and another horse under his charge. * * * * At the annual meeting of the Riverton Racing Club, which was held last week, a suggestion was made to reduce the admittance charges to the club’s meeting next Easter. * * * * The Otago horseman, J. Andrews, who has had about a year’s absence from the saddle, as the result of an accident, is again engaged in riding work at Wingatui. * * * * The two-year-old Sea Ruler continues to do well in his work at Te Awamutu. Horses trained on this track are usually very forward for the early spring meetings. * * * •* Laughing Prince is back in work in L. G. Morris's team at Marton. The other members of the team are Cadland, Consent, Count Palatine, Fiji and two two-year-olds by Nigger Minstrel and Robespierre respectively.

The Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park was for years the most valuable prize to be won on the Turf. Last year the Aga Khan, who won the race with Rustom Pasha, received £10,528, which was £492 more than he got for winning the Derby with Blenheim. This year the Derby is an easy first, and the Two Thousand Guineas second. These races were worth £12,161 and £11,472 respectively to Mr J. A. De\var, the owner of Cameronian. This year's Eclipse Stakes was worth, roughly, £IO,OOO, which was increased by £SOO, Lord Derby, owner of the winner, receiving that premium as the breeder. The One Thousand Guineas this year brought £8854 to Lord Ellesmere, the owner of Four Course, and LieutenantColonel Birkin won £9037 when Brulette took the Oaks. It is interesting to note that the Grand National was worth more than either of the fillies’ classics. Mr T. K. Laidlaw, owner of Grakle, won £9385. * * * * When Corinax was thrown out of work soon after running in the Cornwall Handicap at Ellerslie in June it was thought that he would be back with the active brigade again this spring. However, a change of plans has been made for him, and unless present intentions are altered he will not resume training for about twelve months. During his absence from the track Corinax has been fired, and it is hoped that his legs will show the benefit of this treatment when he has to undergo another preparation. Corinax has been a good winner for J. Williamson, notable among his successes being the Auckland Cup in 1928, when he prevailed in a fine finish with Laughing Prince. Corinax is one of the best stayers who has been trained at Ellerslie for some years past, and he will be missed by the track habitues. * * * * Mr C. H. Gordon, president of th< Riverton Racing Club, informed the members at the annual meeting that the executive fully recognised the difficult times they were all experiencing at present, and it was not intended tc launch out on any additions or alterations of any magnitude, as they thought the present appointments would suffice. They were, indeed, very fortunate to possess such valuable assets, and it was questionable if any club in the Dominion had done so well during the past racing season. As regards the stake money, he did not think it would be a wise move to go in for a reduction, and he maintained that the success of their meeting was in a large measure due to a .liberal prize list, which was appreciated by the owners, and which was shown by the record number of nominations. As regards the gate money, he did not favour reducing the price of admission, and thought it should remain as at present. Johnnie Jason, winner of the Warwick Stakes, the first of the Sydney spring weight-for-age races, is a three-year-old brown gelding by imported Treclare (sire also of Tregilla, winner of the A.J.C. Derby last year), from Sweet Rosaleen. Treclare, who stands at Mr A. E. Thompson’s Canema Stud, New South Wales, is by Tredennis (son of Kendal and grandson of Bend Or) from Clare, by Desmond (son of St Simon) from Sheila, who traces to Cambuscan, Oxford and Rosicrucian. Sweet Rosaleen, the dam of Johnnie Jason, was bred in New South Wales by Mr A. W. Thompson, at Widden, and is by imported Varco (son of Marco) from Miss Bass (a fair winner), by Maltster (son of Bill of Portland). Sweet Rosaleen was herself a good winner, and in her year was second in the A.J.C. Sires’ Produce Stakes. She is a sister to Valdamo, a useful performer some years ago in New Zealand. Johnnie Jason is owned by Mr W. J. Jones, who bought him at the 1930 Sydney sales for 120 guineas. Last season, as a two-year-old, he was raced on eight occasions, being only twice unplaced. His first success was in the Juvenile Stakes, six furlongs, at Rosehill in March at his fourth start. Then he ran third in a division of the Fairfield Handicap, six furlongs, at Warwick Farm, and, going on to the A.J.C. Easter meeting, was tw r ice second and once a winner in three starts. He was beaten only by Ammon Ra in the Sires’ Produce Stakes, seven furlongs, and only by Burwood in a division of the Easter Stakes, seven furlongs. On the final day, at his last start for the season, he scored a decisive win in a division of the Fernhill Handicap, seven furlongs, and his superiority in the divisions was indicated by the fact that Golden Gate, who won the other division, had followed him home in the earlier races at the meeting. The success on Saturday is certain to bring him into greater favour for the A.J.C. Derby, for which, at most recent advice, he was on the fourth line.

In England there is a slump ip the thoroughbred industry. Recently, at Newmarket, Messrs Tattersalls conducted a sale, but the result was not encouraging for the yearling distribution a few days later. On the day referred to, the late Mr S. B. Joel’s stud was offered, and the best prices realised were 1200 guineas for the six-year-old horse Fleeting Memory, by Vancedor from Memoria 11., and 1250 guineas for the two-year-old bay colt Bayport, by Polyphontes from Bayamo. Mr J. A. Dewar was among the vendors, and his four-year-old chestnut horse Culloden changed hands at 710 guineas. Colonel and Mrs Sofer Whitburn are also forsaking direct interests in the turf, and their racing establishment will soon come under the hammer. * * * * Gold Dawn, who won the open sprint at New Plymouth on Saturday, owes a good deal of the success to her forward condition. Gold Dawn is a sister to Bright Glow. She has never reached the same class as her sister, though her best form has been decidedly useful. * * * * Forceful, who beat all but Gibraltar in the Opunake Scurry at the Taranaki Hunt meeting on Saturday, is the Aus-tralian-bred three-year-old purchased as a yearling for 100 guineas by Mr J. Fredric, owner of Sea town. He is by High Force from Bretelle, by Haut Brron from Collarette, by Castor. High Force is a Tracery horse standing in Queensland, where Forceful was bred, and he has sired some tiseful performers. Forceful raced three times last season without success. * * * * Brulette, the winner of this year’s Oaks Stakes, was got by Bruleur, who sired four French Derby winners in Ksar, Pot au Feu, Madrigal and Hotweed. Brulettejis a sister to Hotweed, who also won the Grand Prix de Paris, the Prix Hocquart, and the Prix Lupin. Seaweed, the dam of Brulette, was got by Spearmint (Carbine’s best English son) from Seadune, by Ayrshire from Seadown, by Orvieto. Seadune is a sister to Downshire, a horse imported to New Zealand by the late Mr J. B. Reid.

TROTTING NOTES. A special tram service has been arranged for the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting on Saturday. The first race will be started at 12.15 p.m. * * * * After the second payment, twentytwo horses are left in the New Zealand Derbv, to be run at Addington m November. Included in the list are Silver de Oro, Tempest, May Chenault and Gold Paper, who occupied the first four places in the Sapling Stakes last season, also Mauser, Ciro and Avernus, who were other starters in the two-year-old Classic event. * * * * A nomination list of 123 has been received for the 1933 Trotting Derby. Twenty-four sires are represented. Rev de Oro, with 26, heads the list, and then follow Nelson Derby 13, Jack Potts 12, Wrack 12, Travis Axworthy 9, Brigand 9, Man-o’-War 7, Real Guy 5] Great Bingen 5, Ahuriri 3, Native King 3, Author Dillon 3, Guy Parrish 2, Aristotle 2, Flying Prince 2, Blue Mountain King 2, while Adioo Guy, Maxegin, Mate o’ Mine, Nelson Bingen, Prince Lo®an, Four Chimes, Silver Axworthy and Worthy Bond have one each. * * * * Although Colonial Boy did not race well at the August meeting, the imported pacer is in fine order and is doing all that is asked of him in his training work. _ The pacer Kingcraft went a capital race in the National Cup Driven by F. G. Holmes, the big pacer made a good beginning and although obviously not ready he was in a good position half a mile from home, when he fell back. Kingcraft returned to his owner’s place some time ago and had a spell, which has evidently done him a lot of good. He seemed to be much quieter on the track and got into his work very quickly. His owner-trainer states that Kingcraft is doing well at Ashburton and he hopes to have the Quincey pacer in his best shape by Cup time. Kingcraft appeared to lose an excellent chance of winning the big race two years ago. Starting favourite, he won the first division with ease, but in the final, on the second day, Kingcraft did not go away at barrier rise and he was spCedilj’- out of the contest, which was won by Peter Bingen. * * * * The slump, which is world-wide, has hit American trotting sport, just as it has hit all sports everywhere. The “ Horse Review ’’ gives particulars of the American Pacing Derby, decided at Kalamazoo last month. The stake, which in previous years was £SOOO (25,000 dollars), dropped to £1000; but it did not detract from the standard of the contest, and in winning last month Toll Gate esablished fresh records. His victory also gave the crack driver, Vic Fleming, his second win in the Derby, he having won with Grattan Bars in 1928. Toll Gate is. a nine-year-old, and. among his wins v/as the £2OOO Windsor Pace. When last season May E. Grattan, Calumet, Adam and Enoch Guy between them registered four heats in 2.1 i, 2.21;, 2.12, 2.22, breaking all records for a race of that duration, it seemed as if a climax had been reached. Few expected that such figures would soon be wiped off the boards. But it has required only another year to relegate them to hasbeenism and now we have instead a set reading: 2.12, 2.05, 2.01, 2.22. Toll Gate was once traded in at £25 as part payment for an auto; and, later on rose to the valuation of even £3O! All of which recalls the career of Grattan Bars, who was traded for a bunch of calves once upon a time. So it fell out that Toll Gate was eight years of age before he made his turf debut, last season, when he won every race in which he was started (10) and took a record of 2.62 over a Canadian half-mile track. Last September, after he had exhibited his wares pretty extensively, his then owners, Messrs Metcalf and Aylesworth, of Kingston, Ont., sold him to his present one, Mr J. M. Roddy, of the same place, for £690. After a light nomination for the mile saddle event at New Brighton, the acceptance is very poor, there being only five horses left to compete in the race. Saddle races are gradually dropping out of clubs’ programmes, and in view .of the poor response for the New Brighton race it is more than probable that the race will soon be run under different conditions. * * v * With the exception of the mile saddle race, there are large fields in all the events at New Brighton. The mile and a half trotters’ race and the race for pacers over the same distance have attracted thirty-two acceptors. There are twenty in the 2min 50sec mile and a quarter event, and fifteen in the chief two-mile race.

RACING FIXTURES.

September s—rOtago Hunt Club. September 12—Dunedin Jockey Club. September 17, 19—Wanganui Jockey Club. September 19—Ashburton County Racing Club. September 24, 26—Geraldine Racing Club. September 26—Hawke’s . Bay Jocaey Club. September 26, 28—Avondale Jockey Club. October 3—Kurow Jockey Club. October 3—Napier Park Racing Club. October 3, 6—Auckland Racing Club. October 7—Marton Jockey Club. October 9, 10—Otaki Maori Racing Club. October 10—Dunedin Jockey Club. October 15, ' 17 —South Canterbury Jockey Club. November 7,9, 11. 14 —Canterbury Jockey Club.

TROTTING FIXTURES. September s—New Brighton Trotting Club. September s—Otago Hunt Club. September 12—Wellington Trotting Club. September 19—Ashburton County Racing Club. September 24, 26—Geraldine Racing Club. October 3-—Methven Trotting Club. October 3—Kurow Jockey Club. October 15, 17—South Canterbury Jockey Club. October 10—New Brighton Trotting Club. November 10, 12, 13—Metropolitan Trotting Club.